Best Way to Spend in the USA)

MrPDA

Hi There - Not quite sure where this post would go in the current listings but would like some advice on the best way to spend maybe £500 (worth of USD) in New York in September time?

Should it be via a good credit card, exchanging for USDs or otherwise?
Thanks.

td_007

Your best option is to use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees e.g Abbey Zero, Post Office. Nationwide card charges 1% but is cheaper than all other cards. Your could also use Fair FX card (though keep an eye out for all the charges).

lisyloo

What about getting an Amex platinum cashback credit card before you go (not too long before you go).
You get 5% cashback for 3 months (hence the timing).
The charges for conversion are 2.73% I believe (you might want to check in case I'm out of date). So you'll still get some cashback.
You might also get some cashback on quidco as well.

I would also get some cash as well.
Best way is Nationwide debit card which costs nothing (except small machine fees at some machines).

td_007

Good idea. Also, carry some cash ($) - best change £ to $ locally eg post office rather than at the airport where the exchange rates are significantly worse.

lisyloo

We always get cash from the airport ATM.
Nationwide debit is 0% comission (this is the DEBIT card and NOT the credit card).
Only fee might be a small (2$ or 3$) fee for using the ATM and there is not a lot you can do to avoid this (if charged) because it's charged by the ATM people and not Nationwide.

oceanscape

I'd get the post office credit card. They use the full interbank exchange rate and charge no cross border transaction/loading fees. Definitely the best value way.